Women in Cattle Rustling, Myth or Reality: A Case Study of Turkana and Borana of Isiolo County, Kenya

Cattle rustling has been a big issue in the east Africa. It is an old-age problem of concern (Kaprom, 2013). It is one of the causes of insecurity, poverty and resource use conflicts amongst the pastoral communities. There has been a tremendous increase in the last two decades (McClelland, 2015). There is plenty of literature on cattle rustling. However, the role women play has not been adequately researched (ISSAT, 2011). The main aim of this study was to investigate if the role of women in cattle rustling amongst the Turkana and Borana is indeed a myth or reality. The specific objectives of the study were; to highlight the impact of women participation in cattle rustling, to understand the specific roles women play in cattle rustling and what motivates them to join and to also explain the continuity and change in cattle rustling. The theoretical frameworks for this study were feminist theory, Human Ecology Theory and Conflict theory. The study adopted qualitative research design since it sought to answer the question if women have a role in cattle rustling. The study established that, among the pastoralist communities of Turkana and Borana, cattle rustling is an age-old socio-cultural activity. However, it has evolved and taken new shape in terms of organization and operations. The frequency of cattle rustling events has increased, the time taken to accomplish a raid has drastically reduced, the number of cattle rustled has increased. Young people have taken charge of planning and execution of cattle rustling activities and operations. Women have played critical roles in cattle rustling from planning to execution of cattle rustling operations. Cattle rustling has led to loss of lives and mass displacement of people. The study recommends that there is need to promote exotic dairy cattle as little space is needed to keep them. Alternative forms of livelihood need to be promoted. Access to education for girls is important. Increased awareness and importance of education needs to be enhanced in the two communities. Efforts be made to sensitize the people on the provisions of the constitution and the law vis-à-vis cultural practices.